First-Time Buyers Are Getting Older: How Shared Ownership Can Help

Buying a home in the UK today’s housing market taking longer than it used to. Recent data shows the average first-time buyer age is now 34, up from 29 in the 1990s. And for under-25s, it’s just 6% of the market. 

But behind those numbers are real people. People renting for longer, saving harder, and often questioning whether homeownership is still within reach. 

At Southern Housing New Homes, we’re seeing this shift every day. Buyers who are financially stable, in steady employment, and ready to take that next step, but held back by deposits that feel out of reach, rising rents, and increasing reliance on family support (shout out to bank of Mum and Dad)  

The good news? Homeownership is still possible. It may just look a little different to what it once did. Say hello to Shared Ownership. 

For many, saving for a deposit while covering rent, bills and everyday costs can feel like standing still financially. 

Across the market, a few consistent challenges are shaping this delay: 
1. More than half of buyers rely on two incomes 
2. Deposits are often around 10% higher than annual salary 
3. Nearly one in three buyers depend on family support 
4. 30+ year mortgage terms are becoming more common 

This isn’t about a lack of ambition. It’s about a system that has shifted, making the traditional route to homeownership harder to access. 

Our own data reflects this change. The average age of Shared Ownership buyers with Southern Housing New Homes has increased in recent years: 

2023: 34 
2024: 36 
2025: 37 
2026: 36 

For many buyers, it’s not about whether they want to own a home, it’s about whether the route available works for their circumstances. 

Shared Ownership allows you to buy a share of a home, usually between 25% and 75%, and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining portion. Because you’re only purchasing part of the home, your deposit and mortgage are based on that share, making it more affordable than buying outright.  

Over time, you can increase your share through a process known as staircasing, giving you the option to gradually own more or even all your home. It’s a different route, one that’s helping more people take that first step towards home ownership. 

Many of the buyers we speak to are in their 30s. They’ve built careers, have steady incomes, and are ready for the next stage. But the traditional path to buying outright doesn’t always align with where they are financially. 

That’s where Shared Ownership becomes a practical option: 

It’s not about lowering expectations. It’s about adapting to a changing market. 

We support buyers throughout the process, helping to make Shared Ownership clearer and easier to navigate - less jargon, more practical advice. We have access to free independent financial advisors and solicitors who can help break down the costs involved and provide impartial guidance throughout the process. 

With homesacross London and the South East, the team helps first-time buyers find homes that fit their needs, budget and future plans. 

We understand that buying your first home can feel daunting, and having a trusted provider with experience (hey, that’s us!) can make the process much more straightforward. 

Homeownership Is Still Achievable 

Yes, buyers are purchasing later. Yes, the market is tough. But it doesn’t mean home ownership is out of reach.  

Tenures like Shared Ownership are becoming increasingly important, not just as an alternative, but as a practical response to how the market has evolved. 

Because this generation of buyers isn’t less committed, they’re just navigating a very different landscape. 

Explore homes available in London and the South East today on our website today.